If you are a soccer player and you are looking to improve your athletic performance on the field then you first need to learn what your biggest weakness is. In this three part blog series, you will be introduced to speed, agility and power for soccer. By learning how to test each of these categories, you will begin to understand where you are lacking and you can focus on. The two best tests for determine soccer power is the vertical jump test.
Vertical Jump Test
the athlete stands side on to a wall and reaches up with the hand closest to the wall. Keeping the feet flat on the ground, the point of the fingertips is marked or recorded. This is called the standing reach height. The athlete then stands away from the wall, and leaps vertically as high as possible using both arms and legs to assist in projecting the body upwards. The jumping technique can or cannot use a countermovement (see vertical jump technique). Attempt to touch the wall at the highest point of the jump. The difference in distance between the standing reach height and the jump height is the score. The best of three attempts is recorded.
Click here to learn more about the test from TopendSports
Watch the video below to learn how to setup the vertical jump test.
Results from the MLS Combine
Here are some results form the MLS combine on vertical jump hight. See how you stack up against the top jumps.
How to Improve
After you have tested your power and have identified that it is a weakness of yours, you will need to improve it by performing specific drills. The below exercise is a jump exercise that introduces your body to two varied movements to drive more power into your jump.